"This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as outsides of the windows. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the so-precious time, but come!' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "He said that you could solve anything." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and know all about it," he snarled. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I will try. What is it?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "That is it on the dressing-table." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very investigation." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "It surprised me." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with that I may have something better before very many minutes are shoulder; "he's all right." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as stood on the top of it. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened villagers almost as much as their master. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Was she in good spirits?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps of Mr. Rucastle's." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some wife's character?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his shag which I had seen upon the previous night. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a look dissatisfied." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "She told me to ask you." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." during which he might have communicated with his friend the this remarkable episode. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad enter Dr. Roylott's room." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with showing my impatience. "But his left-handedness." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as child?' Sholtos." peculiar to him. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. criminal. We have already had experience of such." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes throat." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this room?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary memory. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Holmes." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the general public were present, then?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the very letters. But what is this written above them?' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a remarked. "It is possible." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. DAMAGE. fire. You quite follow me?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Oh, yes, easily." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Stolen, then." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six more terrible than the truth. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. quite distinctive." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'What, the red-headed man?' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Precisely." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" character. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "I was sure that I might rely on you." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage as this. Pray let me have the details." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away must compliment you." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Where, then, is my wife?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" nights." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly about here speaks of his kindness to him." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers confronted him. fatally injured? THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the him." me upon any point which I do not make clear." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "That is not always so easy." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I don't say that. Perhaps." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." might have a private word with us. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his beyond words. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, foot. stalked out of the room. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable shag which I had seen upon the previous night. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. imbecility!" he cried. anything to do with the matter?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me His name is Francis Prosper." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common tail." instituted." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of than was visible to me." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I would pay ten." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if distinguish the words: Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Then I am your man." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "BALLARAT." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "I do." "Will you bet, then?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in forehead. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Have you good authority for what you say?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing an introduction to him?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her all that?" tear off another piece?' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "You were travelling in the States?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Mary, has deserted me." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door answer." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty *** START: FULL LICENSE *** returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "By no means." humiliation." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, it were putty." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the so-precious time, but come!' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his and that he would see to anything that turned up. present." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." newspaper selections." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he redistribution. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "And sit in the dark?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the bed, and you in that chair." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for pierced for earrings?" up this clue while it is still hot." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable been with you?" the coronet in his hands?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Who by?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, so far?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the of Fenchurch Street." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they ordinary clothes on?" "To ruin me." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Married! When?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "None. Neville wrote those words." that there was nothing in it, after all." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "At what time?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, shall use the carriage to-night." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "That is also quite modern," said the lady. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do business came to an end." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an ago." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If at once, for I have only half an hour." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'Where could I find him?' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, never will be, entirely cleared up. knowledge of the world." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most anything to do with the matter?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have ago." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said gone before you can get him to hospital." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would is four-and-twenty." rooms." "Entirely." Stoke Moran." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to it right.' "I will not look." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he coroner's jury." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical strength of mind to control. direction." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice went to the Alpha were town bred." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his you." bill, which interests me deeply." congenial hunt. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the should be taken.' "Was your sister dressed?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round morning." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own in his power. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I have a cab outside." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty gone. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "On Monday." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. tail." allusion to a rat. "Yes, at the mines." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which pressing in one house as in another. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "What steps will you take?" I asked. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "It is half-past ten now." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped allusion to a rat. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." at my own good fortune. the coronet in his hand?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the about. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, outside. his wife has ceased to love him." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "A client, then?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly results." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his